Considering that a surge protector in the form of an extension lead, tower or plug only costs slightly more than a standard alternative, it’s always worth spending the extra. Whether you need to protect your gaming PC or console, TV, refrigerator or any other electrical device, they are a worthwhile investment that provides you with peace of mind.
If you require a quick answer, the best surge protected extension lead is the Belkin BSV804. It’s available as a 1, 4, 6 or 8 way construction and it provides up to 900 Joules of protection. However, if you prefer to use a surge protector that comes in the form of an extension tower, the Duronic alternative is a great option to consider.
To rate the surge protectors within this article, we based our recommendations upon our experience of using multiple types, plenty of research and a number of factors. Some of the factors that we considered included the level of protection, number of outlets and USB ports, additional safety features, construction quality, warranty and value.
Table of Contents
Surge Protector Comparison
| Surge Protector | Type | Joules |
|---|---|---|
| Belkin BSV804 | Extension Lead | 900 |
| Masterplug Heavy Duty | Extension Lead | N/A |
| BESTEK 6 Way | Extension Lead | 900 |
| Duronic Multi-Plug | Extension Tower | N/A |
| DoubleYI Socket | Extension Tower | 1,000 |
| Belkin BSV102 SurgeCube | Plug | 306 |
The amount of protection that an extension lead, tower or plug can provide is measured in Joules. In short, a higher Joules rating results in a higher level of protection. However, if the connected device doesn’t consume too much power, you won’t need to spend a fortune for a surge protected device that provides thousands of Joules of protection.
Below is a list of the best surge protectors that are available as a surge protected extension lead, tower or plug.
The Best Surge Protector
1. Belkin BSV804 Surge Protected Extension Lead
Belkin are a highly reputable brand in the UK that are well-known for many of their electronic devices. Their surge protected extension lead is one of the most popular devices they offer and its available as a 1, 4, 6 or 8 way construction. As an added bonus, this particular model has two integrated 2.4A USB ports that offer fast charging.
Other features of the Belkin BSV804 include:
- Rated at 900 Joules
- Choice of 1, 4, 6 or 8 AC outlets
- Two integrated 2.4A USB ports
- LED indicators
- Sliding safety covers
- 2 meter long cord
- Connected equipment warranty
For complete peace of mind, the brand offer a connected equipment warranty for any devices that are damaged by an electrical charge. This means that they will repair or replace devices up to a value of £60,000.
To conclude, the Belkin BSV804 is by far the best surge protected extension lead in the UK and it won’t disappoint. It has a high quality construction and it’s also developed by the reputable Belkin brand for complete peace of mind.
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2. Masterplug Heavy Duty Surge Protected Extension Lead
The Masterplug is another popular surge protected extension lead but unlike the Belkin alternative above, it has a heavy duty construction. In terms of its usability, the extension lead has six sockets and two USB ports for charging devices.
Compared to similar priced alternatives, the brand offer a £10,000 connected equipment three year warranty for complete peace of mind when using this surge protector.
Other features of the Masterplug Lead include:
- Six sockets and two USB ports
- Safety thermal cut out indicator
- Heavy duty construction
- 1 metre cable length
- Available in a black or white design
- Three year connected equipment warranty
Overall, if you require a heavy duty surge protector for use in areas where it may get knocked, the Masterplug is an excellent option. The only drawback is that the cable length is slightly short, which means that you’ll want to check the distance from the device to the mains power supply before puchasing it.
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3. BESTEK Individually Switched Surge Protector
By far the most expensive surge protector within this article is the individually switched BESTEK extension lead. For the extra cost, there is a total of four smart USB charging points and six standard UK AC outlets.
A standout feature of this surge protector is that it uses an intelligent recognition function that detects the USB device that’s plugged in. This allows it to provide a faster charge for certain smartphones, tablets and other devices.
Other features of the BESTEK Extension Lead include:
- 900 Joules of protection
- 6 standard UK outlets
- 4 smart USB ports
- 18 month warranty
- Short circuit, overload and over temperature
- Built-in safety door for child protection
- 18 month warranty
Although expensive, the individually switched extension lead by BESTEK is a highly rated option that’s built to the highest of standards. It has been designed specifically for home or office use and it offers far more functionality and safety than any other extension lead.
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4. Duronic Surge Protected Extension Tower
One of the most popular extension towers in the UK is by the Duronic brand and it’s available as a 10 or 12 way socket construction. Due to the tower design, the brand state that it’s ideal for entertainment setups or desks where power is distributed in several directions.
Other features of the Duronic Tower include:
- Green surge protected indicator
- 10 or 12 way sockets
- Lightweight yet durable design
- 2 metre power cable
- 39 x 5 x 14 cm in size
- Includes a two year warranty
- Available in black or white
To conclude, the Duronic extension tower is a popular and versatile option that has been engineered for maximum surge protection. Compared to similar sized extensions, it also offers the best value for the money too.
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5. DoubleYI Surge Protector Tower
The DoubleYI is another extension tower that includes 12 surge protected sockets that are rated to 1,000 Joules. Also integrated into the construction are 5 USB ports that are distributed vertically down the tower. As well as providing surge protection, this extension tower also protects against overload, over current, over temperature and short circuits.
Other features of the DoubleYI Tower include:
- Rated to 1,000 Joules
- 12 sockets and 5 USB ports
- Built-in safety doors
- Multiple forms of protection
- Anti-fire and ABS construction
- Two year warranty
Overall, the DoubleYI extension tower is an excellent all-round surge protector that provides maximum safety and a two year warranty for peace of mind. If you require up to 12 sockets that are all surge protected, there is no better extension tower. The only drawback is the expensive price tag when compared to the Duronic alternative.
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6. Belkin BSV102AF Surge Protector Plug
Another surge protector by the reputable Belkin brand is the BSV102AF plug and it’s ideal for protecting single electronic devices. In terms of the surge protection, this model will protect against surges up to 306 Joules.
Depending upon where you wish to place the plug, the brand provide the option of a standard surge protector plug or a more expensive option with two USB ports.
Other features of the Belkin BSV102AF include:
- 306 Joules of surge protection
- Robust housing that protects against fire, impact and rust
- Sliding safety covers to protect children
- Connected equipment warranty
- LED indicator
- Option of with or without USB ports
- Modern white design with rounded edges
Compared to other surge protected plugs, the Belkin BSV102AF is built to a much higher standard and even includes a LED indicator and sliding safety covers. For complete peace of mind, Belkin also provide a guarantee to repair or replace any damages caused to plugged in devices up to £10,000 in value too.
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How We Rated The Surge Protectors
Even though we don’t use surge protectors for basic electronic equipment, we certainly do with any expensive or sensitive devices. These devices include our gaming PC (as well as other computers in the house or office), TV and refrigerator. Although many people may take the risk of surges in voltage, the fact that these electronic devices cost thousands, we feel that it’s a worthwhile investment that provides us with complete peace of mind.
As well as our experience of using and testing a range of surge protectored devices, we also based our recommendations upon hours of research and a number of factors. Some of the factors that we took into consideration included the level of protection, number of outlets and USB ports, additional safety features, construction quality, warranty and value for money.
Conclusion
All of our recommendations listed above are suitable for a range of budgets and cover extension leads, towers and standalone plugs. To avoid disappointment, we advise that you purchase your surge protector from a trusted UK brand. However, if you feel that you need further advice, feel free to get in touch with our team.
